On Sunday, December 29, Pope Francis addressed pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, putting the spotlight on the importance of family communication as the Vatican celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family.
He presented the ‘Family of Nazareth’ as an exemplary “model of dialogue and mutual understanding” and reflected on the Gospel narrative of young Jesus found in the Temple and Mary’s gentle inquiry upon discovering her son.
“It is good when a mother does not start with a rebuke, but with a question. Mary does not accuse and does not judge, but tries to understand how to accept this Son who is so different by listening,” he pointed out.
The pontiff urged families to cherish mealtimes as sacred opportunities for connection and communication and engage in meaningful conversations that foster growth and understanding.
He firmly cautioned against the intrusion of mobile devices at the dinner table, declaring, “Never, never this.”
Pope Francis extended heartfelt greetings to families participating through various media channels and expressed particular concern for those enduring hardships in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Myanmar, Sudan, and North Kivu.
The pope also remembered families grieving in South Korea after a recent tragic air disaster that claimed at least 177 lives.
He ended by inviting families to seek the gift of listening from the Virgin Mary, reinforcing that open dialogue is essential for nurturing familial relationships.
